In Loving Memory of Iliganoa Jamias

A life shaped by faith, resilience, and devotion to family—remembering a woman whose strength, love, and quiet leadership uplifted generations.

Iliganoa So'oialo Jamias

(Born Iliganoa So’oialo)

Iliganoa Jamias was born on May 10, 1950, in Fugalei, Western Samoa (now Samoa). She was the cherished daughter of Viavia So’oialo of Apia, Samoa, and Elisepeta Frost Rasmussen So’oialo, recorded in official documents as Elizabeth Rasmussen, originally from Fasito‘o, Samoa.

When Iliganoa was only about six years old, her father passed away. From that moment forward, her mother carried the sacred responsibility of raising the family with courage, dignity, and perseverance. Those early years shaped Iliganoa profoundly. From loss, she learned resilience. From responsibility, she learned discipline. From her mother’s example, she learned humility, faith, and unwavering devotion to Heavenly Father and family. These qualities became the foundation of her life—a woman of quiet confidence, deep strength, and steady purpose, always focused on uplifting those placed in her care.

Marriage, Lineage, & Children

In 1970, Iliganoa married Peter Richard Gebauer at Fagatogo Catholic Church in American Samoa.

Peter Richard Gebauer was the son of the late Ryan Hugo Gebauer, Sr., a retired Federal Aviation Administration Director and respected businessman, known for Aiga Basket in Nuuuli and Mama’s Corner in Ili‘ili, Pago Pago, American Samoa. His lineage is connected to the Fruean family of Savai‘i, Samoa, and to his late mother Jane May Gebauer, of the Slade, Schmidt, and Hunt families of Samoa.

Together, Iliganoa and Peter established their family home in Nuuuli, Ili‘ili, Tafuna, and Fogagogo, American Samoa. All three of their children were born there:

Although the children were initially raised Roman Catholic, Iliganoa never ceased sharing faith. Following the end of her 27-year marriage in 1997, each of her children later chose baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a testimony to the spiritual foundation she quietly and faithfully laid.

Early Sacrifice, the Taxi Business, & Family Advancement

Before storefronts, before restaurants, before success was visible, Iliganoa and Peter’s first business was a taxi cab. Her brother, Viavia So’oialo Manuma, drove the taxi. Through this opportunity, he was able to save enough to relocate himself and his family to Long Beach, California, including:

This was Iliganoa’s model of progress: one opportunity lifting many lives.

Throughout her life, Iliganoa also lovingly served as caregiver to her late mother, Elizabeth, demonstrating unwavering duty, compassion, and filial devotion.

JPL Mart – First Storefront Business

Iliganoa and Peter’s first formal retail business was JPL Mart in Nu‘uuli, operated in partnership with their Fruean cousins, Joe Fruean and Lima Fruean (RIL). After approximately one year, the families amicably parted ways, allowing Iliganoa and Peter to continue independently and fully steward their own enterprises.

Pete’s Laundromat & Pete’s Hutt – Island Institutions

They then opened two iconic businesses:

Pete’s Laundromat – Nu‘uuli
Pete’s Hutt – Nu‘uuli

At Pete’s Hutt, Iliganoa became island-wide known as a woman of discipline, excellence, and order in the kitchen. Her legendary Super Burgers, sold for $1.95, became an island staple throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

The buns—custom-made by Pritchard’s Bakery—were oversized to hold layers of egg, teriyaki-seasoned burger patties prepared with her secret sauce, ham, and sometimes cheese. These burgers defined an era.

She managed more than ten employees and ran her kitchen with tough love, prayer, and precision. Among those she trained were her cousins Mau and Falua, who prepared specialty pastries. Both later married and are now business owners themselves in American Samoa. Under Iliganoa’s leadership, many learned discipline, work ethic, faith, and accountability.

Additional Family Businesses

Over the years, Iliganoa and Peter also owned and operated:

Their home was always open. Many nieces and nephews were housed, mentored, prayed with, and raised alongside her own children. One such niece was Salote Lamyuen, daughter of her eldest brother Maligi So’oialo, married to Tini Lamyuen, with their daughter Elaine (Kuki) Lamyuen, a recent university graduate in Washington State, now employed in her professional field. Salote’s late sister, a licensed Nurse Practitioner who lived in New Zealand, has since crossed to the other side of the veil and is now reunited with her Aunt Iliganoa.

1997 – BJ and Ariel’s Mart

Following her divorce in 1997, Iliganoa once again rebuilt—this time independently—with her children Pauline (21), Patsy (16), and Hugo (12).

That same year, she opened a small shopette in Ili‘ili on land belonging to her aunt, the late Chief Leiataua Malia Suapilimai. The shop was called BJ and Ariel’s, named after her grandchildren:

Though short-lived, BJ and Ariel’s represented resilience, maternal devotion, and self-reliance during a pivotal transition.

That same year, the divorce settlement secured the Fogagogo property, ensuring land that would become central to her children’s inheritance and stewardship.

Maliu Mai Beach Resort

In 1999, Maliu Mai Beach Resort was founded by:

While developed jointly, the land itself remains trust property of Iliganoa’s estate, court-ordered in 1997 for her children and administered by Trustee and Executor Pauline Gebauer White.

Paepaetele Mapu Saei Jamias is the son of the late Ma’ave Jamias, of the honorable Pagofie and Ava families of Pava‘ia‘i and Manu‘a, and of his stepfather Jamias of the Philippines. He and his siblings were raised in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

In 2003, while serving on active duty in Tafuna, Pauline relocated her family to Long Island, New York, where she was stationed at Fort Totten, Flushing, Queens. She later retired honorably from the United States military in 2007. She eventually returned to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Iliganoa later resided with Hugo and his family, and where Patsy Morris-Utu, a U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (Retired), lives nearby.

Paepaetele Mapu Saei Jamias and Iliganoa Jamias were married in 2016 at The Little Chapel of the West in Las Vegas, Nevada. They traveled faithfully between Las Vegas, Honolulu, and American Samoa so Iliganoa could attend all medical appointments. She was deeply loved by all of Paepaetele’s siblings and their families, and cherished memories include a family trip to Manu‘a and Apia before his mother Ma’ave passed.

Surviving Open Heart Surgery 2012 & Breast Cancer 2023

January 31, 2012 – Open-heart surgery, followed by one year of recovery in Las Vegas
2023 – Left-breast mastectomy
October 2024 – Emergency medical retrieval from American Samoa
December 2024 – Stroke, followed by 13 months bedridden
She passed peacefully on December 31, 2025, surrounded by family

As Dr. Romero, a heart surgeon in Las Vegas, was completing the operation, the medical team discovered that Mom’s heart was not beating as expected. She was immediately returned to the surgical field, where her heart was revived before the surgeons were able to close her chest. By the grace of God, she survived the surgery and was given a full year of recovery in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Prior to this life-saving titanium aortic valve replacement (open-heart surgery), Iliganoa remained in Las Vegas for an entire year with her children, Pauline and Shaun White, in order to qualify for the procedure that ultimately saved her life.

Remarkably, within just one week of her surgery, Iliganoa and her eldest daughter Pauline were already on the road, transporting nearly 300 pounds of frozen chicken in the back of their vehicle so that Mom could help with a community fundraiser in Las Vegas. During that trip, a driver from California caused a severe collision that resulted in a total loss of their vehicle.

Providentially, and in fulfillment of Psalm 91:11, Iliganoa had been advised by Pauline to sit in the back seat as a precaution in the event of an accident. However, Iliganoa insisted on sitting in the front passenger seat. When the collision occurred, the airbags did not deploy—yet both survived the impact, another miracle among many that marked her life.

2023 – Left Breast Mastectomy (Cancer Survivor)

In 2023, Iliganoa bravely underwent a life-saving left breast mastectomy, confronting cancer with extraordinary courage. Through unwavering faith, inner strength, and determination, she survived this major health battle, standing as a powerful testimony of resilience and a deep will to live.

October 2024 – Emergency Medical Retrieval from American Samoa

In October 2024, Pauline received an urgent call at approximately 10:30 p.m. from Patsy and Hugo, informing her that Iliganoa had been found unconscious in the bathroom of the back room at Maliu Mai Beach Resort. Without hesitation, and by 1:00 a.m., Pauline boarded a Hawaiian Airlines flight to American Samoa, resolved to retrieve her mother and return her to safety.

Pauline arrived in Pago Pago late Monday night, October 23, 2024. Upon arrival, it became clear that LBJ Hospital was unable to provide the necessary care, as the CT scan equipment was reportedly out of service. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Pauline immediately arranged for Iliganoa’s return to the mainland for advanced medical treatment.

That following Thursday, Pauline and Iliganoa returned to Las Vegas, where they were met at McCarran Airport by Hugo and taken directly to Spring Valley Hospital. Patsy and relatives traveling from Pennsylvania joined them there. After evaluation, Iliganoa was initially cleared for discharge with follow-up appointments scheduled.

November 2024 – ICU Admission

The day before Thanksgiving in November, Iliganoa was readmitted to Spring Valley Hospital, this time to the Intensive Care Unit. This hospitalization was intense and physically demanding, but through perseverance and care, she eventually stabilized and was discharged.

December 2024 – Debilitating Stroke

In December 2024, Iliganoa suffered a debilitating stroke that left her bedridden for the remaining 13 months of her life. During this time, she was lovingly cared for by Pauline, Hugo and his wife Alanna, Patsy, and Dad Mapu, surrounded by constant devotion, compassion, and support.

Throughout her final months, Iliganoa was visited often by her Las Vegas family and by loved ones who traveled from out of state, including Aunty Gasolo Warren, Aunty Se’epa, Uncle Uti Gebauer, Aunty Pauline Gebauer, Mapu and Alisi Tuao, Henry and Netta Hunkin, and Aunty La Frost. Local friends and relatives also came regularly, for which she expressed heartfelt gratitude.

Her final season was filled with music, prayer, and companionship. Beloved family and friends—such as Aunty Anita and her daughters Mashari and granddaughters, nephew Henry and So’o Laulu, sisters-in-law Darlene, Aunty Reyne Husky, and many others—visited often, bringing the comfort of ukulele music, laughter, and love that lifted her spirit.’

Crossing The Other Side Of The Veil

December 31, 2025 – Passing
On December 31, 2025, Iliganoa peacefully entered eternal rest, surrounded by family, embraced by love, and honored through devoted care in her final days.

Siblings, Posterity, and Generational Legacy

Iliganoa was one of eight siblings. Many preceded her in death, including Maligi So’oialo, Surita So’oialo Taifane-Pritchard, Viavia So’oialo Manuma, Lani Brown, Ronnie So’oialo, Chief Fonoti Seraphine Niuia, and her twin brother who passed in infancy.

She is survived by Chief Tuilavasii Tom Aiono of Australia, and Chief Patea Peisepusi So’oialo Tuivale residing in the motherland Samoa, along with an extensive lineage of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—each loved as her own.

Legacy of Entrepreneurship, Resilient “Tough Love,” and Prayer

Faith, Service, and Eternal Testimony

With her eyes fixed on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, Iliganoa built businesses, raised generations, secured land, shared the gospel, and loved fiercely. Her temple endowments were performed in the Las Vegas Temple, and she held her temple recommend through her recovery until her final breath.

She believed with certainty that families are eternal, that covenants endure beyond death, and that faithful service continues on both sides of the veil. She held fast to the Savior’s promise:

“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
— John 11:25

She trusted modern revelation:

“Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God.”
— Doctrine & Covenants 123:17

And she now receives the words every faithful servant longs to hear:

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
— Matthew 25:21

Closing Testimony

Iliganoa Jamias lived and died with a testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, guided by the Holy Spirit from her baptism at age eight through her final days. Her life stands as a witness that Jesus Christ lives, that families are eternal, and that love, faith, and service never end.

She trusted the promises of the Savior. Iliganoa testified throughout her life that life does not end at death, and that families sealed by covenant will be reunited through Jesus Christ. She held fast to the words of the Lord:

“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
— John 11:25

This testimony anchored her marriage, her motherhood, her business dealings, and her service to others. It is the same testimony she leaves with her family—that Jesus Christ lives, that families are eternal, and that faithful service on this side of the veil continues beyond it.